You've been through classes, set up birth plan, and bought the baby gear. You have your go-bag packed and you've set your email to an auto-response. Even if you have everything in place when you feel that first contraction, you may be in for a few surprises!

We talked to women who've been there to find out what they wish someone had told them before they went into labor. Read on to see their top ten labor and delivery secrets!

Many women commit to a drug-free birth, water birth or personally-created birth plan. Childbirth involves two living creatures, and your baby might have other ideas. The position of your baby, progression of labor and other health factors could require fast action via c-section or other changes to your plan. Remind yourself that the end result - a healthy, happy baby - is the goal, and be open to the entire experience.

There's nothing to be done here - it's caused by pressure in the birth canal. You may even have uncontrolled bowel movements. Also, epidurals can "freeze" the sphincter. Don't worry, doctors, nurses and midwives have seen and heard it all before.

It's hard to watch someone you love go through violent spasms and scream with pain. In many cases, a friend or family member who's been through it before may be your best bet in the delivery room.

2

You're not done yet.

After delivering your baby, there is more to come.

DCL

Even after you've delivered your baby, and placed him on your breast to begin the latching-on process, you still need to deliver the placenta. You may also need stitches, especially if you've had an episiotomy. You'll also be passing blood clots in the first hours after birth - and these may be as big as tennis balls.